The Haunting of Homosocial Obsession: Viewing Homosociality and Nontraditional Masculinity within “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Washington Irving
Abstract
“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Washington Irving is an early American ghost story that depicts a town haunted by a headless horseman, heated rivalry, and fears of a young country. The tale follows Ichabod Crane, a schoolteacher in Sleepy Hollow, who is fighting for Katrina Van Tassel’s affection. Ichabod is not a stereotype of traditional masculinity. He is scrawny, only seeks the company of women, and is not well-versed in horseback riding. His rival, Brom Bones, is the epitome of masculinity through his large frame and skill as a horseman. The homosocial rivalry between Ichabod and Brom, paired with Ichabod’s lack of traditional masculinity, made Ichabod dangerous in the America of 1820. Ichabod is unable to comfortably exist in the town of Sleepy Hollow because he represents a queer way of living that is unable to transpire in a country that is beginning to build its culture independent from Britain. Through a queer reading, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” serves as a warning against expressing nontraditional forms of masculinity and homosociality bordering on same-sex desire. Ichabod Crane is killed by the Headless Horseman, a punishing force of the patriarchy, to deter those who wish to exhibit queer desire in early America.
Start Time
15-4-2026 9:00 AM
End Time
15-4-2026 12:00 PM
Room Number
Culp Ballroom 316
Poster Number
22
Presentation Type
Poster
Presentation Subtype
Posters - Competitive
Presentation Category
Arts and Humanities
Student Type
Graduate and Professional Degree Students, Residents, Fellows
Faculty Mentor
Matthew Holtmeier
The Haunting of Homosocial Obsession: Viewing Homosociality and Nontraditional Masculinity within “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Washington Irving
Culp Ballroom 316
“The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” by Washington Irving is an early American ghost story that depicts a town haunted by a headless horseman, heated rivalry, and fears of a young country. The tale follows Ichabod Crane, a schoolteacher in Sleepy Hollow, who is fighting for Katrina Van Tassel’s affection. Ichabod is not a stereotype of traditional masculinity. He is scrawny, only seeks the company of women, and is not well-versed in horseback riding. His rival, Brom Bones, is the epitome of masculinity through his large frame and skill as a horseman. The homosocial rivalry between Ichabod and Brom, paired with Ichabod’s lack of traditional masculinity, made Ichabod dangerous in the America of 1820. Ichabod is unable to comfortably exist in the town of Sleepy Hollow because he represents a queer way of living that is unable to transpire in a country that is beginning to build its culture independent from Britain. Through a queer reading, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” serves as a warning against expressing nontraditional forms of masculinity and homosociality bordering on same-sex desire. Ichabod Crane is killed by the Headless Horseman, a punishing force of the patriarchy, to deter those who wish to exhibit queer desire in early America.
